“The current city commission majority are taking private property rights away without compensation to property owners under the pretense that they somehow are protecting the city from urban density. I find it confusing to have political leaders who have not lived in the community but 10 years or so and now want to prevent the downtown from maintaining its vibrant mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented style.”

Allan Keen, chairman and CEO, Keewin Properties:

“The lack of serious attention being paid to encourage reasonable economic development within the city. Winter Park is an amazing and wonderful village, but it needs to encourage business and economic activity as a way to diversify our tax base, or our residents will face either a reduction in services or a significant property tax increase.”

Bill Segal, commissioner, Orange County:

“Right now, too many people are out of work. You can see the impact of this downward spiral on Park Avenue, where there are plenty of empty storefronts. We need to make sure Orange County has the most business-friendly climate in the Southeast so we can bring new jobs here and protect the ones we have in place.”

Wade Vose, managing partner, Vose Law Firm LLP:

“The lack of a pro-business attitude from the Winter Park City Commission is the most pressing issue. A number of commissioners take the business community, both on Park Avenue and throughout the city, for granted. They seem to see business in Winter Park as the enemy. Luckily, the chamber of commerce has done a lot to combat this, and will continue to do so.”

Dori DeBord, director of economic development, Winter Park:

“Ensuring that Winter Park has a sound economic base along Fairbanks Avenue, Lee Road, Orlando Avenue and in our downtown area, and that the city continues to put appropriate guidelines in place to make that happen. We have a good balance of residential and nonresidential, and we need to make sure we keep that balance so we can maintain our revenue streams.”